Immigrant Council statement to mark for EU Anti-Trafficking Day.
Immigrant Council statement to mark for EU Anti-Trafficking Day.
Ireland has come a long way in its fight against the global scourge of human trafficking. As a country, we are not immune to this international crime, worth billions to those who control it, and can never cease in our efforts to target the criminal networks who profit from the commodification of human desperation, and in our support of survivors.
The Immigrant Council of Ireland began its work in the area of anti-human trafficking in 2008, and in 2009 released the first piece of research into the issue in Ireland - Globalisation, Sex Trafficking and Prostitution: The Experiences of Migrant Women in Ireland. Since that time, we have researched and advocated for improved responses to this issue in Ireland, and through our function as an Independent law Centre, provided expert and groundbreaking legal support to survivors. We are proud to have worked, both independently and in collaboration with others, to see many improvements implemented based on our collective and individual recommendations, notably:
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The passing of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 2017, which decriminalized those in prostitution and introduced deterrents for the buyer
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The appointment of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commissions as National Rapporteur
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The current revision of the victim identification process (National Referral Mechanism) and the placing of that process in legislation for the first time, both in Ireland and in Europe
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The soon-to-be-launched new National Action Plan Against Human Trafficking
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The recent opening of a pilot shelter accommodation, run by DePaul Ireland, which will see survivors accommodated in a way more suited to their recovery
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Extensive training of frontline professionals across Ireland in the indicators of human trafficking, so that victims may be better identified and supported.
These improvements have been hard fought for by civil society, but we commend and value the commitment of Minister McEntee, the Department of Justice and the Gardaí in improving the landscape and listening to the voices of experts and survivors.
While Ireland has introduced many reforms, much remains to be done in this area. We call upon the government to ensure:
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Robust identification of victims through the new identification process, once implemented, and resourcing of civil society and other agencies to fulfil the roles required to support its functioning
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The development of and investment in further shelter accommodation models which ensure that all survivors of trafficking are accommodated separately from the inappropriate Direct Provision System
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The development of improved integration supports for survivors, such as improved access to mental health support, employment opportunities and educational opportunities including access to SUSI grants and other relevant supports.
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The enshrining of clear pathways to immigration status for survivors who need it, and the guarantee that they will not be prosecuted for any criminal offences they were forced to commit while under the control of traffickers.
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Improved detection and support of child victims of trafficking, currently invisible within Irish responses.
Together, we can continue to ensure that Ireland is no safe place for human traffickers and that those impacted by this heinous crime are supported to regain their dignity and humanity. We commit to working with the Government, our partners in civil society and with survivors to continue this important fight against the scourge of human trafficking.